6 space board games to channel the political drama of 'For All Mankind' and 'Star City'

Six space-themed board games can transport enthusiasts into the political drama of the space race depicted in the series For All Mankind and its spin-off Star City. For those who enjoyed the gripping show, there are several tabletop alternatives that offer a taste of space politics without the real-world implications.

Twilight Struggle, a game released in 2005 by GMT Games, pits players against each other to represent the U.S. and Russia during the Cold War. The game features a space race track and each satellite launched or astronaut successfully placed into orbit symbolizes both technological and propaganda victories. Similarly, For All Mankind showcases the stakes of the space race in an alternate history where the competition never ends.

Twilight Imperium, developed by Fantasy Flight Games in 2017, is an expansive game set in a galaxy following the fall of the Lazax empire. Players assume control of interstellar empires, striving to dominate the central capital planet through the construction of space docks, warships, and goods trading. The game's complex asymmetric factions, combined with intricate negotiations and subterfuge, mirror the diplomatic intrigue of For All Mankind.

High Frontier (4th Edition), designed by Phil Eklund in 2019 for Sierra Madre Games, puts players in charge of a space agency or aerospace company. As they manage resources and build a self-sustaining space economy, players experience the same burden of international importance that the characters in For All Mankind faced. High Frontier is praised for its complexity and rewarding gameplay for dedicated players.

SpaceCorp: 2025–2300 AD, also by Phil Eklund, released in 2018, takes players beyond the government-controlled space agencies in For All Mankind and into a future where corporations dominate space exploration. Players maneuver their corporations through the depths of space, balancing risk and profit to dominate the cosmos. The game reflects the commercialization of space that began to appear in the later seasons of For All Mankind.

Terraforming Mars, created by Jacob Fryxelius in 2016, transports players to the Martian surface with the goal of transforming it into a habitable planet through massive engines of production and wealth. The game embodies the dream-versus-profit conflict portrayed in the later seasons of For All Mankind, emphasizing the ethical dilemmas of pursuing progress for personal gain.

Lastly, Eclipse, released in 2008 by Rio Grande Games, is a science fiction game where players manage their interstellar empires, facing challenges such as resource scarcity, technology development, and diplomacy. Although not directly tied to For All Mankind or Star City, Eclipse offers a thrilling space-based experience filled with political maneuvering, perfect for fans of the series' political drama.